Emergency wash system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for providing tempered water to an emergency wash system. Various embodiments include simple, reliable, low-cost flow regulators to reliably provide adequate emergency wash flows. Yet other embodiments include one or more features that consider the special needs of a person temporarily blinded, and include those persons having disabilities.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/611,517, filed Mar. 15, 2012; U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/670,157, filed Jul. 11, 2012;and 61/767,045, filed Feb. 20, 2013, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods andapparatus for emergency washing, and in particular to eyewash andbodywash apparatus that are adjustable, modular, wheelchair accessible,or transportable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Emergency eyewashes and showers provide a rapid washing to a personcontaminated with a dangerous chemical whether the exposure is in aresearch laboratory, a farm, or in the exhaust of a nitromethane burningAA fuel funny car. However, the systems provide no benefit, and furtherare a detriment for creating false hope if the equipment does not work.

Various existing emergency eyewash basins and showers utilize complexflow systems that require professional installation and adjustment.Therefore, if an emergency wash site does not work, the employer isrequired to “lock out” and “tag out” that site until it is repaired.Often, it takes days to schedule the professional to service the site,and further time delays are encountered to simply order the parts, whichby their complexity are too expensive to be maintained in inventory atthe worksite.

Yet other problems arise when it is difficult to check and adjust theoperation of the emergency wash site. If it is not easy to determinethat the equipment is working properly, then the employers may not applyappropriate resources to routinely check the equipment. Under suchcircumstances, the wash site may not provide sufficient flow, or mayprovide flow that is too hot, and any user of the wash site may sufferas a result.

Yet other eyewash basins are generally round in shape, or otherwiselacking in any geometric feature that can be felt by the hands of a userduring an emergency. In such emergency conditions, the user may betemporarily blinded, and thus have difficulty aligning him/herself withthe eyewash nozzles. Since time is important in washing contaminantsfrom the eye, the additional seconds required for the person to alignhis/her eyes with the nozzle spray pattern could result in increasedinjury. Many such basins are generally featureless in terms of lettingthe user tacitly (by hand) locate themselves with their eyes shut.

Still further, many transportable emergency wash systems suffer frominadequate protection from damage to the wash site as it is beingtransported. The act of transport can include multiple types of singleoccurrence shocks to the equipment, such as during loading andunloading. Further, wash sites can be located near sources of vibration,such as a Hemi® running open headers. This can be a problem if parts ofthe wash system include electronic apparatus.

Further, it is becoming increasingly important for water to beconserved, and this is even more important in those situations in whichthe water at the wash site comes from a limited reservoir, or isotherwise limited by a failure in a thermostatically-controlled valve.During such valve failures, the amount of flow available is often lessthan about two gallons per minute. Some existing wash sites are notcapable of providing an adequate wash to a contaminated user with suchlow flows.

Various embodiments of the present invention address some or all ofthese aspects, and still other aspects, in novel and unobvious ways.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergency eyewashsystem adapted and configured to be transportable.

Another aspect of some embodiments pertains to a basin for an emergencyeyewash that is adapted and configured to provide a tactile indicationto a user as to how the user should position him/herself when using theemergency eyewash recognizing that the user may be temporarily blinded.In some embodiments this tactile features are the corners of adiamond-shaped basin. In yet other embodiments the tactile features arehandles placed on opposing sides, and in still other embodiments thetactile features are recesses molded into the basin to receive thefingertips of the person.

Yet other aspects of some embodiments include the placement of ashut-off lever above the nozzles, and further in some embodimentslocated centrally relative of the nozzles, and in still furtherembodiments located immediately behind the nozzles. This locationfurther recognizes the person using the eyewash may have difficultyseeing, and thereby places the eyewash actuation lever at a locationwhere it is most easily seen.

Still further embodiments pertain to an emergency eyewash having aneyewash nozzle assembly that can be quickly and easily connected ordisconnected from the eyewash system. By the use of quick-connectfeatures, a person that is not a plumber can readily remove a suspectvalve and replace it with a known good valve. By allowing such easymaintenance, it is not necessary to “lock out” and “tag out” the eyewashsystem for long periods of time, or for that matter in somecircumstances for any time at all. Since an unskilled person can quicklyprovide replacement of a faulty valve, there may be no reason to lockout and tag out the system while waiting on a plumber.

Yet other embodiments pertain to an emergency eyewash system that isadapted and configured for a person in a wheelchair. The basin of theeyewash extends outwardly from a vertical support a sufficient distanceto be accessed by the person in a wheelchair. Further, the systemincorporates a tactile locating feature on each side of the basin, and acentrally located eyewash actuation lever to make the system easy to usefor the disabled person.

Yet another aspect of some embodiments is an eyewash nozzle assemblythat is replaceable as a unit. The assembly is provided with a flowregulator that provides a substantially constant flow of water as inletconditions change, a filter, and in some embodiments a chemical agentfor lessening the effects of chemicals in the water, or bacteria (whichagent in some embodiments includes activated charcoal). Preferably, thereplaceable unit is contained within a single housing.

Yet another aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergencyeyewash system including an electric water heater. The system furtherincludes a shutoff valve that can be used to purge air from the heaterprior to usage, and which can thereafter be placed in a position toshutoff the purged channel such that the electric water heater remainsprimed with water and little or no air. In this way, the electric waterheater does not include any trapped pockets of air which could lead toan overheating condition.

One aspect of the present embodiment pertains to an emergency eyewashsystem including a thermostatically controlled valve. Other embodimentsinclude a flow regulator having a variable orifice characteristic, thevariable orifice becoming more restrictive to flow as the pressure ofwater at the regulator inlet increases and becoming less restrictive toflow as the pressure of water at the regulator inlet decreases.Preferably, the regulator outlet providing an outlet flow within apredetermined range of flows. Yet other embodiments include an eyewashnozzle for directing the regulated flow generally upwards.

Another aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergency eyewashsystem including a first quick connect fitting and an eyewash nozzleassembly having an inlet and a second quick connect fitting mateable tothe first quick connect fitting at the inlet. In some embodiment, thequick connect fitting as one example include the Sharkbite® fitting byCash-Acme, part no. 22182. In yet other embodiments the quick connectapparatus is a Sharkbite® fitting of the type U140.

Yet other embodiments include an eyewash nozzle assembly having a firstindexing feature. Still other embodiments include a basin for collectingwater expelled from the nozzle, the basin having a drain that collectswater expelled from the nozzle, the basin including a second indexingfeature, the second indexing feature establishes the location of thefirst indexing feature when the nozzle assembly is connected to thewater outlet.

Yet another aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergencyeyewash system including an eyewash nozzle assembly, and a basinattached to the stand and extending horizontally forward from the standand below the nozzle assembly. The basin is substantially symmetriclaterally, the lateral sides of the basin including mirror images of afeature that tactilely identifies the location of the nozzle assembly tothe user.

Yet other embodiments include a water shutoff valve for manual controlof flow of water to the nozzle, the valve including a lever, the levelbeing located above the nozzle assembly, and generally centered relativeto the nozzle assembly.

Still another aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergencyeyewash system that is vertically supported relative to the floor. Itfurther includes an eyewash nozzle assembly adapted and configured forthe upward flow of water generally symmetric about a vertical plane, anda basin extending horizontally forward from any obstruction by adistance suitable for use by a person in a wheelchair. The basin hasopposing sides that each include a feature that tactilely identifies andorients the person relative to the nozzle assembly.

Yet another aspect of the present invention pertains to an apparatus foran emergency eyewash. Some embodiments include an eyewash nozzleassembly having a quick connect fitting at the inlet, a nozzle outletfor providing a flow of water for the eyewash, and a flow regulatorproviding fluid communication between the inlet and nozzle outlet. Theflow regulator is adapted and configured to provide a predetermined flowof water from inlet to nozzle outlet as inlet pressure varies. Stillother embodiments include a filter adapted and configured to providefiltered water to the nozzle outlet, and a housing internally supportingthe filter and the regulator.

Still further aspects of the present invention pertain to atransportable emergency eyewash system including a cart with wheels andan electrical water heater mounted to the cart. Yet other embodimentsinclude a shutoff valve having an inlet for receiving water from theheater, the valve having an outlet, and a movable valve memberactuatable over a range of positions for directing water from the inletto the outlet, the member having a first position to permit flow fromthe inlet to the outlet and to a drain, and a second position to preventflow from the outlet. The eyewash system can be actuated to provide flowfrom the eyewash outlets when the shut off valve is in the secondposition.

Yet other embodiments of the present invention include a basin forcollecting water expelled from the nozzle and providing the collectedwater to a drain, and from the drain to a collection reservoir on thecart. The collection reservoir is useful in those situations where theuser is washing off a contaminant that is dangerous even when diluted.The reservoir captures the washed off contaminant for later disposal.

Still further embodiments of the present invention pertain to athermostatically controlled valve in which the check valves are adaptedand configured to be identical in operation, have identical top andbottom interfaces, and further in which the housing of the valve hasidentical interfaces.

It will be appreciated that the various apparatus and methods describedin this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, canbe expressed as a large number of different combinations andsubcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations andsubcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that theexplicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the figures shown herein may include dimensions. Further, someof the figures shown herein may have been created from scaled drawingsor from photographs that are scalable. It is understood that suchdimensions, or the relative scaling within a figure, are by way ofexample, and not to be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1-1 is a right side, top perspective view of an emergency eye washaccording to 1 embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1-2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1-2

FIG. 1-3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1-1

FIG. 1-4 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1-1.

FIG. 1-5 is a right side perspective view of a portion of the apparatusof FIG. 1-1.

FIG. 1-6 is a right side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.1-5, shown in solid.

FIG. 1-7 is a right side cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.1-5, shown in cross sectional view.

FIG. 1-8 is a right, top, perspective cutaway of the apparatus of FIG.1-7.

FIG. 1-nine is a top, perspective view of an eyepiece according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2-1A shows a top external view of a thermostatic control valveaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2-1B shows a side elevational view of the valve of FIG. 2-1A.

FIG. 2-1C shows a front plan view of the valve of FIG. 2-1A.

FIG. 2-1D shows a side elevational view of the valve of FIG. 2-1A.

FIG. 2-1E shows a bottom plan view of the valve of FIG. 2-1A.

FIG. 2-2A shows a cutaway view of a valve having a bottom outlet.

FIG. 2-2B shows a cutaway view of a valve having a top outlet.

FIG. 2-2C shows a cutaway view of a valve having a top and bottomoutlets.

FIG. 2-3 is a cutaway view of a thermostatically controlled valveaccording to another embodiment of the present invention, with the leftside of the valve showing a top-facing inlet, in the right side of thevalve showing a bottom-facing inlet.

FIG. 2-4 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 2-4.

FIG. 3-1A is a front, top, perspective photographic representation of anapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3-1B is a symbolic schematic representation of the flow system ofthe apparatus of FIG. 3-1A.

FIG. 3-1C is a cutaway side view of a accumulator (diffuser) accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3-2 is a top and side perspective photographic representation ofthe apparatus of FIG. 3-1A.

FIG. 3-3 is a left side, top perspective photographic representation ofthe apparatus of FIG. 3-1A.

FIG. 3-4 is a photographic representation of a thermostatic controlvalve from the apparatus of FIG. 3-1A.

FIG. 3-5 is a photograph of the front and back halves of the eye/facewash block (outlet valve) of FIG. 3-1A.

FIG. 3-6A is a backside photographic representation of a showerheadassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3-6B is a front side photographic representation of the showerheadof FIG. 3-6A.

FIG. 3-7 is an exploded, side by side photographic representation of theapparatus of FIG. 3-6B.

FIG. 3-8 is a close up photographic representation of the dispersingmember of FIG. 3-7.

FIG. 4-9 is a photographic representation of a transportable eyewashaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4-10 is a schematic flowchart of the eyewash system of FIG. 4-9.

FIG. 4-11A shows the valve body of the system of FIG. 4-9, with theinner valve removed and positioned to be fully opened.

FIG. 4-11B shows the block (valve body) of the system of FIG. 4-9, withthe inner diverter pin (valve) removed and positioned to be closed, andemphasizing a nonclosable flow area.

FIG. 5-1 is a top photographic representation of an eyewash valveassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5-2 is a bottom photographic representation of the apparatus ofFIG. 5-1.

FIG. 5-3 is a perspective photographic representation of the apparatusof FIG. 5-1.

FIG. 5-4 is a perspective photographic representation of the apparatusof FIG. 5-1.

FIG. 5-5 is a photographic top side view of various components of theapparatus of FIG. 5-1.

FIG. 5-6 is a photographic bottom side view of various components of theapparatus of FIG. 5-1, with the exception that the apparatus at the topis a side photographic representation.

FIG. 5-7 is a top photographic representation of a basin according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5-8 is a photographic representation of the bottom of the apparatusof FIG. 5-7.

FIG. 5-9 is a close-up photograph of a portion of the apparatus of FIG.5-7.

FIG. 5-10 is a photographic representation of a portion of the apparatusof FIG. 5-8.

FIG. 5-11 is a side photographic representation of a portion of aneyewash assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5-12 is a schematic cutaway representation of an expulsion valveaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5-13 is a hydraulic schematic representation of a system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5-14 is a hydraulic schematic representation of a system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6-1 is a perspective photographic representation of a transportableeyewash system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6-2 is a front photographic representation of the apparatus of FIG.6-1.

FIG. 6-3 is a side and frontal perspective photographic representationof the bottom of the apparatus of FIG. 6-1.

FIG. 6-4 is a hydraulic schematic representation of a transportablesystem according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6-5 is a hydraulic schematic representation of a transportablesystem according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Element Numbers 10 System 11 cart 12 deck 13 legs 14 wheels 15 lid 20eye wash system 21 dispensing caps a apertures 22 water tank 23 quickconnect fitting 24 hot source 25 support arm 26 stand 28 drain 29 catchbasin 30 thermostatically controlled valve 31 cold inlet 32 temperedfluid outlet 33 hot inlet 34 body 36 cartridge 37 mixing outlets 38metering section/flow restrictor 40 diffusing heat exchanger 41 inlet 42outlet 43 serpentine passage 44 apertures 50 shut-off valve 51 quickconnect 52 paddle shut-off 53 purge line 56 filter a groove 58 expulsionvalve a inlet b outlet c flapper 60 outlet valve 61 body a indexing 62internal chamber 63 water inlet a secondary outlet 64 eyewash outlets 65internal connection 66 variable orifice valve a fixed member b flexiblemember 67 interface 68 outlet 70 return wash basin 71 indexing feature72 Drain, variable drain, fixed 73 attachment feature 74 tactilefeatures 75 lip 80 shower head assembly 81 inlet 82 bowl 83 depressions84 dispersing member 85 stand offs 86 central deflector 87 apertures 88ridges 90 heater 91 source of electricity 92 shock mounts 94 heatexchanger 96 thermal switch V20 thermostatically controlled valve V22tower casing V24 thermostat assembly V30 base casing V32 meteringsection V34 check valve housings V36 threaded interface V40 check valveassembly V42 bonnet V43 spring support V44 outlet seal V45 chamber V46spring V47a disk V47b gasket V48 screw V49 acorn nut V50 outlet

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates. At least one embodiment of the present inventionwill be described and shown, and this application may show and/ordescribe other embodiments of the present invention. It is understoodthat any reference to “the invention” is a reference to an embodiment ofa family of inventions, with no single embodiment including anapparatus, process, or composition that should be included in allembodiments, unless otherwise stated. Further, although there may bediscussion with regards to “advantages” provided by some embodiments ofthe present invention, it is understood that yet other embodiments maynot include those same advantages, or may include yet differentadvantages. Any advantages described herein are not to be construed aslimiting to any of the claims. The usage of words indicating preference,such as “preferably,” refers to features and aspects that are present inat least one embodiment, but which are optional for some embodiments.

The use of an N-series prefix for an element number (NXX.XX) refers toan element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX.XX), exceptas shown and described. As an example, an element 1020.1 would be thesame as element 20.1, except for those different features of element1020.1 shown and described. Further, common elements and common featuresof related elements may be drawn in the same manner in differentfigures, and/or use the same symbology in different figures. As such, itis not necessary to describe the features of 1020.1 and 20.1 that arethe same, since these common features are apparent to a person ofordinary skill in the related field of technology. Further, it isunderstood that the features 1020.1 and 20.1 may be backward compatible,such that a feature (NXX.XX) may include features compatible with othervarious embodiments (MXX.XX), as would be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art. This description convention also applies tothe use of prime (′), double prime (″), and triple prime (′″) suffixedelement numbers. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the featuresof 20.1, 20.1′, 20.1″, and 20.1′″ that are the same, since these commonfeatures are apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the related fieldof technology.

Although various specific quantities (spatial dimensions, temperatures,pressures, times, force, resistance, current, voltage, concentrations,wavelengths, frequencies, heat transfer coefficients, dimensionlessparameters, etc.) may be stated herein, such specific quantities arepresented as examples only, and further, unless otherwise explicitlynoted, are approximate values, and should be considered as if the word“about” prefaced each quantity. Further, with discussion pertaining to aspecific composition of matter, that description is by example only, anddoes not limit the applicability of other species of that composition,nor does it limit the applicability of other compositions unrelated tothe cited composition.

Various references may be made to one or more processes, algorithms,operational methods, or logic, accompanied by a diagram showing suchorganized in a particular sequence. It is understood that the order ofsuch a sequence is by example only, and is not intended to be limitingon any embodiment of the invention.

Reference will be made to an eyewash system and various components ofthe system. It is understood that the system and various components arefurther compatible with face wash and body wash systems and components.

The figures herein prefaced with the number “1” pertain to an emergencyeye wash 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention.Further, all element numbers in the 100 series pertain to variouscomponents and features of eyewash 120. The figures herein prefaced withthe number “2” pertain to a eyewash system 220 according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

Eyewash 120 includes a valve block 160 provided with water from an inlet122, and providing a spray of water through a pair of eyepieces 121 to aperson needing an emergency eyewash. Apparatus 120 can be attached to awall by a support bracket 126, which can be coupled to a attachmentplate attached to the wall. Water flowing out of block 160 is capturedin a bowl 170 that provides the water to and outlet drain 124.

Eyewash 120 includes a shutoff valve 160 that must be actuated by theuser before water will exit from eyepieces 121. As best seen in FIGS.1-3, shutoff valve 160 is placed in the central inlet line 122, and insome embodiments is a ball-type valve. The ball can be rotated so as tobegin the flow of water by the user pushing forward on centrally locatedpaddle 152. Paddle 152 is connected by an arm 152.1 to the axis of ballvalve 150. Preferably, paddle 152 is centrally located relative toeyepieces 121, so that persons that are left-handed can use eyewash 120as easily as persons that are right-handed.

It has been found that other emergency eyewash is typically have amechanism on the right side of the eyewash that must be operated inorder to achieve the washing flow. With such eyewash is, a person thatis left-handed is largely put at a disadvantage, and may waste timetrying to locate the right-handed mechanism. Further, panel 152 is upright and prominent, making it easy to see. In some embodiments, panel152 includes a large, substantially flat surface upon which warninglabels and instructional labels can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 1-4, head block 160 connects to shutoff valve 150 byway of a 2 and quick-release seal 169. In some embodiments, seal 169includes a plurality of “shark teeth” that can provide a quickly-madeseal between the inlet pipe of head block 160 and the outlet of shutoffvalve 150.

In some embodiments head block 160 includes right and left hinged panelsby which the user can quickly disconnect head block 160 from eyewash120. The person can place their fingers on the panels, and rotate thepaddles such that the distal ends of the paddles press against the faceof seal 160. In so doing, the user can easily remove head block 160 bysimply pulling it toward them while the seals are compressed.Preferably, head block 160 is not mechanically linked to the drain ofbowl 170, such that the connection between the inlet pipe of the headblock and the outlet of the shutoff valve is the only connection thatneeds to be made.

FIGS. 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8 show various details of head block 160 andshutoff valve 150. It can be seen that head block 160 includes an inletpassage 162 that provides water from shutoff valve 150 to a centralmanifold 164. Manifold 164 extends both right and left toward eyepieces121, and further extends downward toward a cavity 168.

In some embodiments, cavity 168 includes material for conditioning thewater that is sprayed out of eyepieces 121. This material can be afilter material, activated charcoal, and astringent, or other apparatususeful to protect and wash eyes that have been exposed to a damagingchemical. Further, this protective material can be easily removed fromhead block 160, which is useful for those protective materials that losetheir beneficial qualities after a period of time.

FIG. 1-9 shows a close-up of an eyepiece 121. Eyepiece 150 includes aplurality of spray holes, some of which are located in and outermostring 152, others of which are located in a metal ring 154, and yetothers that are centrally located. Eyepiece 150 further includes asealing lip 156 that provides for easy installation and removal ofeyepiece 150. Preferably, eyepiece 150 is fabricated from a flexiblematerial that a person can easily manipulate to break off scaledeposits.

FIGS. 2-1 to 2-4 show various embodiments of a thermostaticallycontrolled valve V20 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. It is understood that the prefix “V” to an element numberrefers only to the examples of FIGS. 2-1 through 2-4, although it isunderstood that such a thermostatically controlled as valve V20 can beused with any of the emergency wash systems shown herein.

FIG. 2-1 shows external orthogonal views of a valve V20 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Valve V20 is a thermostaticallycontrolled valve, having a tower casing V22 coupled to a valve casing orhousing V30. Housing V30 includes right and left ports for the inlet ofwater, and further includes a housing extension having an outlet V50 toprovide a flow of tempered water.

FIG. 2-2 shows various cross sectional views of V20 as taken alongsection B-B of the central drawings within FIG. 2-1. It can be seen thatvalve V20 includes a thermostat assembly V24 housed within an internalcavity V45 of casing V22. Thermostat assembly V24 operates a meteringsection V32 housed within casing V30. As is well known, thermostat V24and metering section V32 coact to mix hot and cold water and produce aflow of water at a predetermined temperature.

FIG. 2-3 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2-1 as takenthrough section A-A of the top image of FIG. 2-1. Casing V30 includesright and left supports V34 that are adapted and configured to providefluid communication between their corresponding water flows and thecentrally located metering assembly V32.

FIG. 2-4 is a close-up of the base housing V30. It can be seen that eachcasing inlet V34 includes within it identical check valve assembliesV40. Each valve V40 includes a bonnet or cap that closes one end of aninlet V34. Bonnet V42 is threadably received within a threaded interfaceV36 of inlet V34. An inlet seat V44 has an identical set of threads, andis threadably received within an identical threaded interface V36 at theother end of the inlet V34. The check valve assembly V40 on the leftside of FIG. 2-4 is shown oriented with inlet seat V44 at the top, andtherefore able to accept water from the top. The right side inlet V34shows a check valve V40 in the opposite orientation, with bonnet V42located at the top, and the inlet seat V44 screwed into the bottomfemale threaded interface V36.

Each check valve includes a spring V48 that is captured between a springsupport V44 of bonnet V42 and a disk V47 a. Disk V47 a is captured by ascrew to an acorn nut V49, with a gasket V47 b sandwiched inbetween. Theright side check valve V40 of FIG. 2-4 is shown in the closed position,with adjusting screw V41 tightened down so as to force a shutoff betweengasket V47 b and a sealing lip of seat V44. It is appreciated thatadjustment screw V41 can be placed in an operational condition, such asthat shown on the left side check valve V40, where screw V41 has beenadjusted to a position providing nominal spring force to compress leftside gasket V47 b against the sealing lip of left side seat V44.

Referring to the topmost figure of FIG. 2-2, there is shown a crosssectional view through section B-B of the central image of FIG. 2-1. Itcan be seen that valve V20 preferably includes an outlet extension V50that includes top and bottom apertures for the outward flow of temperedwater. It is understood that housing extension V50 is preferablymachined with pipe threads on both top and bottom of the common bore,and therefore able to accept an outlet connection on either the top orbottom. A pipe cap is threaded into the unused aperture.

FIG. 2-1B shows that the valve has the ability to tap V50 at the top orbottom for flexible outlet configurations. The valve in FIG. 2-1C showsa reversible stop and check design which allows for either top inlets orbottom inlets, providing for a more flexible installation. The valve ofFIG. 2-1E shows stop and check bushings which allow for reverse stop andcheck installation as well as alternate inlet sizes. The valve of FIGS.2-2A, B, and C include a baffle tube used to provide a superior mix.FIG. 2-2A is a view as taken along section B-B of FIG. 2-1C, and shows abottom outlet. FIG. 2-2B shows a cross sectional view as taken alongline B-B of FIG. 2-1C showing a top outlet. FIG. 2-2C shows a sectionalview as taken along line B-B of FIG. 2-1C showing top and bottomoutlets. The valve of FIGS. 2-3 and 2-4 are cutaway views and showcheckvalve components in both positions, piped up to the left, and pipeddown to the right.

FIGS. 3-1A and 3-2 show various views of an emergency wash 320 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. Emergency wash system 320includes a thermostatically controlled valve 330 that provides temperedwater to a pair of eyewash dispensing caps 321, and in some embodiments,further provides tempered water through a top outlet 332 to a showerheadassembly 380.

Control valve 330 (and other portions of wash assembly 320) aresupported from the floor by a stand 326. Preferably stand 326 and system320 are adapted and configured such that dispensing caps 321 are locatedat a height that is wheelchair accessible. Further, as best seen inFIGS. 3-2 and 3-3, the return line 328 from basin 370 extends rearwardso as to provide a clear volume underneath return line 328 toaccommodate the front of the wheelchair.

Water is provided to control valve 330 from a source 322 of cold fluidand a source 324 of hot fluid. In some embodiments, hot source 324receives water from the outlet of a water heater (not shown). In someembodiments, water from one or both of the sources 322 and 324 flowsthrough a flow restrictor that provides generally constant flow, such asthe variable restrictors sold by Neoperl.

FIG. 3-1B shows a simplified schematic representation of symbolsrepresenting the flow path of a system 320 according to one embodimentof the present invention. Cold water source 322 and hot water source 324provide water to hot and cold inlets 331 and 333, respectively, ofthermostatically controlled valve 330. Referring briefly to FIG. 3-4,valve 330 includes a cartridge valve 336 received within a body 334.Cartridge 336 includes a metering section 338 that controls the flow ofhot water to a thermostat (not shown) within cartridge 336. The mixtureof hot and cold water exiting metering section 338 is turbulently mixedby one or more mixing outlets 337, and then provided to an outlet 332 astempered water. Mixing outlets 337 are adapted and configured to provideturbulent mixing of hot and cold flows within valves 330. Furtherexamples of such means for creating turbulence or mixing can be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/657,218, filed 22 Oct. 2012, andtitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING TURBULENCE IN A THERMOSTATICMIXING VALVE, incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 3-4, body 334 includes a single tempered outlet 332that provides tempered water to the eyewash dispensing caps 321.However, yet other embodiments include an additional tempered fluidoutlet 332 that provides tempered water to the showerhead assembly 380,such as by the top mounted outlet 332 best seen in FIG. 3-1A.

Referring again to FIG. 3-1B, the tempered fluid exiting valve 330 fromoutlet 332 passes through a accumulator (diffuser) 340 in someembodiments. A cross-sectional view of accumulator (diffuser) 340 in oneembodiment is shown in FIG. 3-1C. Diffuser 340 includes an inlet 341 andoutlet 342 that are in fluid communication by way of a serpentinepassage 343. Passage 343 includes a plurality of apertures in thesidewalls of the passageway that encourage fluid mixing along the lengthof the passageway. Further discussion of diffuser 340 can be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/213,811, filed Aug. 19, 2011, SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR PROVIDING TEMPERED FLUID, incorporated herein byreference, such discussion of the diffuser being incorporated herein byreference. Diffuser 340 reduces any sharp temperature rise that wouldotherwise be seen when tempered water first flows out of the outlet 332valve 330. It is further understood that a second diffuser 340 canfurther be installed in the fluid pathway from the outlet of controlvalve 332 showerhead assembly 380.

Tempered fluid exiting accumulator (diffuser) 340 flows to a manuallyoperated, normally closed shutoff valve 350. In one embodiment, valve350 is a ball valve. A paddle and handle 352 control the state ofshutoff valve 350. Referring to FIGS. 3-1A and 3-2, it can be seen thathandle 352 is located generally in the center of return basin 370, andbehind the eyewash dispensing caps 321. With this central design, paddle352 is readily accessed by either left-handed or right-handed personsneeding an eyewash. To open valve 350, paddle 352 (and its handle) arepushed backwards, away from dispensing caps 321. Preferably, the outletof valve 350 includes a quick disconnect type of fitting, so as tofacilitate removal of outlet valve 360.

Water exiting shell 350 is provided to dispensing valve 360. Valve 360includes three separate flow channels: two eyewash outlets 364 thatprovide tempered water to dispensing caps 321, and a variable orifice366 that provides fluid to drain 372. In some embodiments valve 360includes an internal chamber for receiving a filter, such as a charcoalfilter. Preferably, valve 360 is coupled to valve 350 by a quick connectcoupling that permits easy removal and replacement (or refurbishment) ofvalve 360. Preferably valve 360 is adapted and configured such thatthere are no internal volumes in which water is permitted to sit whensystem 320 is not in use. Instead, after a user has opened shutoff valve350 for emergency wash, any water within valve 360 flows out of outlet368 and into drain 372.

Variable orifice 366 includes an internal valve the position of whichcan be manually adjusted by the user at an interface 367 on one side ofvalve 360. FIG. 3-5 shows front and back halves 361F and 361B,respectively, which comprise the body of outlet valve 360. Temperedwater flows into the inlet 363 of valve 360 and flows into internalchambers 362T and 362B. The amount of water that flows from the rightand left outlets 364R and 364L, respectively, can be adjusted by varyingthe flow resistance of valve 366. In some embodiments, there is aninternal stop that prevents full closure of valve 366, so that waterwithin valve 360 can always drain out.

By way of interface 367, valve 366 can be rotated to a substantiallyclosed position, in which most of the fluid received through inlet 363flows out of outlets 364R and 364R. If the user rotates valve 366 to thefully open position, then some of the water entering through inlet 361Bflows out of outlet 368 into drain 372. Dispensing valve 360 thereforepermits accurate adjustment of the amount of water dispensed throughoutlets 364R and 364L by adjustment of variable orifice valve 366.

Water exiting through dispensing caps 321 or valve outlet 368 flow intoa return basin 370. As best seen in FIG. 3-3, outlet valve 360 isgenerally suspended above the drain surface of the basin 370 by shutoffvalve 350. Therefore, wash system 320 is substantially self-draining forall water that exits shutoff valve 350.

FIGS. 3-6 thru 3-8 present various views of a showerhead apparatus 380according to one embodiment of the present invention. Showerheadassembly 380 includes a bowl 382 that includes on its rear side an inlet381 through which tempered water is received. Water flowing throughinlet 381 strikes a dispensing member 384 that disperses the flow ofwater into a plurality of separate streams.

FIG. 3-7 shows dispensing member 384 removed from its attachment to bowl382 by a plurality of standoffs 385 each received within a correspondingdepression 383 of bowl 382. In some embodiments, these standoffs areadhered to bowl 382 within the corresponding depressions, although theconnection of dispensing member 384 to bowl 382 can be by any method.

Referring to FIG. 3-8, water received from inlet 381 impinges directlyupon central deflector 386, and is thereby directed radially outwardly.The volume trapped between the inner surface of dispensing member 84 andthe inner surface of bowl 382 is sized so that water fills this volumeunder pressure. Water thereafter flows through any of a plurality ofapertures 387 located in member 384. It can be seen that in oneembodiment there is a first set of apertures located closest to centraldeflector 386. In some embodiments, each of these holes includes asemi-conical, smooth flow channel directed radially inward. Dispensingmember 84 in some embodiments further includes an outermost ring ofapertures 387 located near the edge of member 384. In yet otherembodiments, there is also an intermediate range of apertures 387located between the outermost ring and the apertures closest to centraldeflector 386. Preferably, these outermost and intermediate rings haveapertures with a conical inlet. It can also be seen in FIG. 3-8 that theouter circumference of deflecting member 384 tapers to a reduced widthfor the radially outward dispensing of water between member 384 and theinner surface of bowl 382. In some embodiments this outer circumferenceincludes a plurality of ridges 388 for channeling this circumferentialflow of water.

FIGS. 4-9, 4-10, and 4-11 depict a transportable eyewash system 410according to another embodiment of the present invention. System 410includes an eyewash system 420 located on an easily transportable cart411. In one embodiment, cart 411 includes a deck 412 supported by aplurality of legs 413, and movable over a floor by way of wheels 414. Insome embodiments, cart 410 further includes a lid 415 that can be usedto enclose eyewash system 420 when not in use. It is understood thatFIG. 4-9 is a photographic representation of portions of the eyewashsystem 410, and not the entire system, which will be now be described.

FIG. 4-10 is a schematic representation of the various elements ofeyewash system 420. In one embodiment, eyewash system 420 receives waterfrom an external tank 412. As one example, water tank 422 is keptlocally to eyewash system 420, and is substantially at ambienttemperature. As another example, tank 422 is a water tank that isattached to a trailer, such as a transporter for automobiles, or inanother embodiment a truck that carries emergency equipment, such asfire truck. Tank 422 is coupled to system 420 preferably by quickconnect fittings (not shown). Water from tank 422 is provided to theinlet of a water heater 490. Water heater 490 preferably heats fluid byway of a heat exchanger 494, such as an electrical resistance heater.FIG. 4-10 shows heater exchanger 494 receiving electrical power from asource 491 of electricity. In some embodiments, heat exchanger 494 isprovided with electricity by way of a thermal switch 496. Switch 496permits the flow of current through heat exchanger 494 when watertemperature is below a predetermined limit. However, if watertemperature exceeds the predetermined limit thermal switch 496 opens thecircuit and prevents further heating by heater 490.

In some embodiments, heater 490 is mounted to cart 411 by way of one ormore vibration isolators or shock mounts 492. These mounts provideisolation of heater 490 from shock or vibratory inputs that are higherin frequency. Preferably, shock mounts 492 are selected to provideisolation from the types of handling acceleration inputs that aretypically encountered when moving system 410 on or off a vehicle, orduring collisions with system 410 and other objects, or related dynamicinputs. In some embodiments, the water and electrical hook-ups to heater490 are selected to be relatively flexible, so that shock ordisplacement inputs from electrical cabling or water plumbing areattenuated before being received by heater 490.

Water exiting heater 490 is elevated in temperature relative to thetemperature of water entering heater 490. This hotter water is providedto a shutoff valve 450. Valve 450 is preferably a three-way valve,including one inlet and two outlets. Water flows out of valve 450 towardeither flow regulator 456 or out of drain 453 based on the position of ahandle 452. Over one range of positions, handle 452 permits the flow ofwater from heater 490 toward flow regulator 456. However, in a differentrange of positions, handle 452 also allows water from heater 490 to exitfrom purging drain 453. When purge drain 453 is open, any air that istrapped within heater 490 can be purged out, to help ensure that heatexchanger 494 contains only water and no trapped gas. Handle 452 can bepositioned such that both outlets are closed, thereby maintaining thepurged conditions of heater 490. Handle 452 can also be opened to allowflow toward flow regulator 456, but still maintain drain 450 in a closedposition. It is further noted that in some embodiments heater 490 isoriented on cart 411 such that water from tank 422 is provided at alocation horizontally below the outlet of heater, so that trapped airtends to rise upward within heater 490 from the heater inlet to theheater outlet, thus encouraging a gas-purged state.

Water exiting shutoff valve 450 is received by a pressure compensatedflow regulator 456, such as those made by Neoperl. Compensator 456 actsto maintain relatively constant flow conditions over a range of inputpressures. As water pressure received at the inlet of compensator 456increases, a resilient member within compensator 456 (such as O-ring)changes shape or configuration to increase the overall flow resistance(such as by decreasing the valve's flow number and/or decreasing thecross sectional flow area) of regulator 456, and thereby reduce theamount of flow that would have occurred as a result of the higherpressure, had there been no flow compensation.

Flow exiting regulator 456 is received at an outlet valve 460 located ona wash basin 470. In a manner similar to that described earlier, flowreceived at the inlet of valve 460 is provided to a pair of eyewashoutlets 464, each of which is preferably covered by a dispensing cap421. Outlets 164 and caps 421 are adapted and configured to provide aneyewash to a person bending over and facing toward valve 460.

Further, as previously discussed, valve 460 includes a manual flowadjuster 466 that can be used to set up a desired spray pattern fromoutlets 464. Preferably, valve 160 further includes a non-closable drain473 that operates in parallel around drain 472. Referring to FIGS. 4-11Aand 4-11B, the adjustable valve 466 is shown removed from the body 461of valve 460. In FIG. 4-11A, valve 466 is shown in the fully openedposition, and it can be seen that the flow area of outlet 468 can bemaintained substantially opened and unrestricted by valve 466 when valve466 is in the A, or fully opened position. FIG. 4-11B depicts theposition of valve 466 when fully closed, showing that even under fullclosure there is a flow area B of valve 466 that still aligns with aportion of the outlet area of outlet 468. Therefore, even when fullyclosed, water can still flow out of outlet 468. In those embodiments inwhich valve 460 is not fully closable, the draining of any remainingwater within portions of eyewash system 420 is encouraged, thuspreventing the accumulation of stagnant water. It is further envisionedsome embodiments that outlet 468 will be located lower than the outletof shutoff valve 450.

FIGS. 5-1 through 5-14 depict and explain various features pertaining toan eyewash system 520 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5-1 through 5-4 depict various external views of an eyewash nozzleassembly or outlet valve 560 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. It will be appreciated that valve 560 is related and similarto the previously defined outlet valves 160, 360, and 460, even thoughthere are external differences in shape. It is further understood thatthe various functions that will now be described for valve 560 applyequally to these other outlet valves disclosed herein.

Valve assembly 560 includes an inlet 563 for water and a pair of outlets568 which can be capped with dispensing caps 521. Preferably, thehousing of outlet valve 560 includes a groove 556 a that is adapted andconfigured to hold within it a filter disk 556. In some embodiments,these features are arranged symmetrically about a housing verticalcenterline (hVCL) that extends forward toward the user when valve 560 isinstalled in an eyewash system.

The inlet 563 includes within it a flow regulator or variable orificevalve 566, such as those made by Neoperl. These flow regulators providea substantially constant flow of water therethrough, especially after athreshold pressure has been obtained. As one example, with a flowregulator from Neoperl of the type MR03 US Type, flows can be selectedto flow from about one gallon per minute to about two and two-tenthsgallons per minute within a tolerance band. Preferably, the flowregulators are press fit into the housing at the inlet 563.

Valve assembly 560 includes a central passage 562 that interconnectsinlet 563 to an internal connection 565 and outlets 564. Bytransitioning from central passage 562 with a relatively small crosssection to the larger eyewash outlets 564 (which are capped withdispensing caps 521), the velocity of water within valve 560 is reducedgreatly and thereby emerges from the apertures 521 a of cap 521 moregently, yet extends upwardly the required distance of eight inches asnoted in ANSI standard Z358-1-2009. Further, it has been found that thevelocity of water is not so great as to extend greatly beyond this eightinch limit, thus making the eyewash system more user-friendly, andtherefore more likely to be used. In some embodiments, the area ratio(the combined cross sectional area of outlets 564 to the cross sectionalarea of central passage 562) is from about 8 to about 11, with apreferred range being greater than about 9. With this sizing, it hasbeen determined that a wash flow less than about two gallons per minutecan be provided. In this manner, the flow valve 560 is less wasteful ofwater during usage.

In some embodiments, central passage 562 terminates at a distal-most end563 a, as best seen in FIG. 5-3. Some versions of valve assembly 560include an aperture at the termination 563 a of internal chamber 562.This aperture can be provided with a male or female feature that can becoupled to the inlet 563 of a second valve assembly 560. This couplingof two valve assemblies provides four eyewash nozzles, and this modularconstruction thus makes valve 560 suitable for emergency eyewashapplications and emergency face wash applications. A corresponding flowschematic can be seen in FIG. 5-13, where the additional valve 560 isrepresented by outlets 564′ and dispensing caps 261′. Further, themodified, inlet is identified as element 563′, and the secondary outletof the first valve is identified as 563 a.

Valve 560 further includes an indexing feature 561 a located centrallyon the bottom of the housing 561. As best seen in FIGS. 5-2 and 5-3,indexing feature 561 a includes a pair of downwardly extending arms thatdefine a gap therebetween. Referring briefly to FIGS. 5-7 and 5-9, itcan be seen that this gap is sized to accept therebetween the indexingfeature 571 of wash basin 570. This indexing feature combined with thequick connect fittings on outlet of the shut-off valve 550 and the inletto the outlet valve 560 combine to make valve 560 modular and easilyreplaceable by an unskilled person. The quick connect fittings of theshut-off valve and the outlet valve combine to align valve 560 along thelength of the housing vertical centerline hVCL. The indexing features561 a and 771 do not interfere with this fore and aft alignment, sinceindexing feature 571 can fit easily between the parallel arms ofindexing feature 561 a. However, the indexing features 561 a and 571combine to laterally locate valve 560 in a lateral direction (i.e., asalong the lateral centerline LCL, best seen in FIG. 5-7). Valve 560 ispreferably not attached to basin 570. Therefore, the person replacingvalve 560 has only a single quick connection to achieve, and does nothave to further connect body 561 to basin 570. It can be further seenthat the shape of feature 561 is generally complementary in shape toindexing feature 571.

FIGS. 5-5 and 5-6 show various components located internally in someembodiments of valve 560. Filters 556 in one embodiment are preferablyporous, sintered metal wafers. In one example, housing 561 is atwo-piece, molded plastic housing having a groove within wash outlet564. During manufacturing, a filter 556 is inserted in the groove ofone-half of the housing 561, and the other half is then mated with thefirst half, trapping filter 556 in place. A Neoperl regulator 566 isshown in FIGS. 5-5 (from one side) and FIG. 5-6 (from the other side).Each regulator includes a static, generally rigid structure 556 b thatcooperates with the rigid members 556 a that cooperates with a resilientmember 566 b, such as an O-ring to produce a variable orifice effect.

FIGS. 5-5 and 5-6 show end and side views, respectively, of an expulsionvalve 558. In some embodiments, valve 558 is press fit into an orificecreated at secondary outlet 563 a of body 561.

FIG. 5-12 schematically describes operation of expulsion valve 558. Flowis received within the valve from inlet 563 as shown in the direction ofthe arrow. After this flow has reached a sufficient value, itsimpingement on flapper 558 c causes the flapper to shut drainage outlet558 b. The flow is thereby directed upward (with reference to FIG. 5-12)and onto the eyewash chambers 564. When the inlet flow stops, flapper558 c is biased to the open position (as shown schematically by thespring), and thereby releases any trapped water within valve assembly560 by way of the open flowpath to drainage outlet 558 b (which releasesthe water into basin 570). It is appreciated that flapper 558 c can bebiased open by spring, by weight, or by any other means.

FIGS. 5-7 through 5-10 depict various features of basin 570. In oneembodiment, basin 570 is of a rounded diamond shape, and symmetricalabout a basin vertical centerline bVCL that is located spaced downwardand apart from the hVCL, and further symmetrical about a lateralcenterline LCL. A drainage aperture 562 is located at a low point withinbasin 570 so as to achieve a gravity drain. A lip 575 extends upwardlyfrom the bottom of the basin, and around the edges of the basin. Basin570 includes an indexing feature such as the rib 571 extending upwardfrom the bottom of the basin, and located proximate to the drainageaperture 572. As previously discussed, this indexing feature 571cooperates with an indexing feature of the valve body assembly so as toassist a user in replacing the valve assembly 560. Preferably, theindexing features provide an indexing and location function in a singledirection, and do not limit indexing or location in directionsorthogonal to that direction. As seen herein, indexing features 571 and561 a provide a locating function along the length of centerline LCL butdo not provide any location along the length of vertical centerlinesbVCL or hVCL, and further does not provide any limitation on the upwardslocation of the valve assembly.

Basin 570 further includes an attachment feature 573 located on thebottom of basin 570, and best seen in FIGS. 5-10 and 5-11. Locatingfeature 573 in one embodiment includes a pair of spaced apart membersthat receive between them a support arm 525. The members further includean attachment hole that aligns with an attachment hole in the arm 525.Referring to FIG. 5-11, a person installing a basin 570 makes theappropriate plumbing connection from drain 572 to drain 528 and then tothe draining feature of stand 526. Arm 525 is pinned to basin 570 at oneend, and further pinned or otherwise fastened to stand 526. Preferably,support arm 525 is provided in at least one embodiment at a lengthsuitable for spacing basin 570 away from stand 526 such that person in awheelchair can approach the basin, get their legs under the basin, anduse the eyewash. Arm 525 is preferably a tight fit within a machine slotof stand 526.

Some embodiments of the present invention use a basin 570 that isadapted and configured to provide a tactile indication to the user oftheir location relative to the eyewash outlets 564. It has been observedthat some existing emergency eyewash basins have a circular shape, orother shape, that does not give a tactile indication to a person withoutvision of their relative location, such as for existing eyewash basinsthat are circular. In such a case, the person with impaired vision wouldhave difficultly aligning their eyes with the spaced apart eyewashoutlets.

Referring to FIG. 5-7, it can be seen that basin 570 includes roundedcorners at opposing lateral extremes along centerline LCL, and thesecomprise tactile features 574 that can be gripped or touched by theperson using the eyewash basin. The person would be able to feel therounded corners of the diamond shape in the lateral directions, andtherefore intuitively know where to place their head and eyes. In someembodiments, the tactile features are corners (whether rounded or not)of the basin, but further can be handles, finger or thumb grooveslocated in the lip 575, inwardly-extending pockets adapted to receivethe person's fingers in the lip, or similar features. It is preferredthat the tactile features 574 be located the greatest lateral distancefrom the centerline between the eyewash outlets.

Flow schematic 5-14 depicts yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. Various embodiments contemplate one, two, or there flowregulators 566 within valve assembly 560. As has been previouslydiscussed, a first flow regulator 566-1 is selected to provide a totaleyewash flow to both eyewash outlets 564. However, in yet otherembodiments this first, central flow regulator is not needed, and thevalve assembly can otherwise include a pair of flow regulators 566-2each selected for regulation of flow to a single eyewash outlet 564.

FIGS. 6-1 to 6-5 depict various embodiments of a transportable eyewashaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. An eyewash system620 is located on a cart 611 and combines to create a transportableeyewash system 610. Cart 610 preferably includes a deck 612 thatsupports within it a basin 670 for capturing was that flows out ofoutlet valve assembly 660, and draining out of a drain 672 into a catchbasin 629. Catch basin 629 is adapted and configured to contact not justthe flowing out of the valve assembly 660, but also any contaminant thatwas washed off of the person using transportable system 610. Therefore,this contaminant, which may still be dangerous even if diluted, is notreleased to the ambient, but rather is stored at the bottom cart 611.

Cart 611 further supports eyewash system 620 from a plurality of legs613 that contact the ground or floor by corresponding wheels 614. Whennot in use, a lid 615 can be closed around deck 612, since actuatingon-off paddle 652 and valve assembly 560 are sized to fit within therecessed deck portion of cart 611. Cart 611 further includes underneathit an electrical water heater 690 that is shock mounted to the structureof cart 610.

Shock mounts 692 are selected such that they are relatively loose, andpermit a static deflection of heater 690 of more than about one-fourthof an inch. The spring constant of the resilient member 692 are selectedto reduce the transmission of vibration above a predetermined frequency.Preferably, this predetermined frequency is selected to isolate heater692 from many of the routine shocks and vibration that occur duringhandling and operation of system 620.

FIG. 6-4 schematically shows a system 610 that includes a flow regulator656 that establishes a generally constant flow of water when shut-offvalve 650 is opened. FIG. 6-5 schematically depicts the catch basin 529that is located to collect any drainage from eyewash system 620.

Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention areexpressed in paragraphs X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 as follows:

X1. One aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergency eyewashsystem. The system preferably includes a thermostatically controlledvalve having an inlet for hot water, an inlet for cold water, and anoutlet providing tempered water. The system preferably includes a flowregulator having an inlet, an outlet, and a variable orifice inbetween,said regulator inlet receiving tempered water from said valve, saidvariable orifice becoming more restrictive to flow as the pressure ofwater at the regulator inlet increases and becoming less restrictive toflow as the pressure of water at the regulator inlet decreases, saidregulator outlet providing an outlet flow within a predetermined rangeof flows. The system preferably includes an eyewash nozzle having aninlet for receiving the regulated flow of water and directing theregulated flow generally upwards.

X2. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergencyeyewash system. The system preferably includes a water outlet having afirst quick connect fitting. The system preferably includes an eyewashnozzle assembly having an inlet and a second quick connect fittingmateable to said first quick connect fitting at the inlet, said nozzleassembly having a first indexing feature. The system preferably includesa basin for collecting water expelled from said nozzle, said basinhaving a drain that collects water expelled from said nozzle, said basinincluding a second indexing feature; wherein said second indexingfeature establishes the location of said first indexing feature whensaid nozzle assembly is connected to said water outlet.

X3. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergencyeyewash system. The system preferably includes a stand verticallysupported from the floor. The method preferably includes an eyewashnozzle assembly. The system preferably includes a basin attached to saidstand and extending horizontally forward from the stand and below saidnozzle assembly, said basin being substantially symmetric laterally, thelateral sides of said basin including mirror images of a feature thattactilely identifies the location of said nozzle assembly. The systempreferably includes a water shutoff valve for manual control of flow ofwater to said nozzle, said valve including a lever, said level beinglocated above said nozzle assembly.

X4. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to an emergencyeyewash system. The system preferably includes a stand verticallysupported from the floor. The system preferably includes an eyewashnozzle assembly adapted and configured for the upward flow of watergenerally symmetric about a vertical plane. The system preferablyincludes a basin attached to said stand and extending horizontallyforward from the stand by a distance suitable for use by a person in awheelchair and located below said nozzle assembly, said basin havingopposing sides that each include a feature that tactilely identifiesorients the person relative to the nozzle assembly. The systempreferably includes a water shutoff valve for manual control of flow ofwater to said nozzle, said valve including a lever located above saidnozzle assembly and generally in the vertical plane of said nozzleassembly.

X5. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to an apparatus foran emergency eyewash. The apparatus preferably includes an eyewashnozzle assembly having an inlet and a quick connect fitting at theinlet, a nozzle outlet for providing a flow of water for the eyewash, aflow regulator providing fluid communication between the inlet andnozzle outlet, the flow regulator being adapted and configured toprovide a substantially constant flow of water from inlet to nozzleoutlet as inlet pressure varies within a range of pressures, a filteradapted and configured to provide filtered water to said nozzle outlet,and a housing internally supporting said filter and said regulator, saidhousing including said inlet and said nozzle outlet.

X6. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a transportableemergency eyewash system. The system preferably includes a cart withwheels. The system preferably includes an electrical water heatermounted to said cart by a resilient member that reduces the transmissionof vibration from the cart to said heater, said heater receiving waterfrom a source and providing heated water. The system preferably includesa shutoff valve having an inlet for receiving water from said heater,said valve having an outlet, and a movable valve member actuatable overa range of positions for directing water from the inlet to the outlet,said member having a first position to permit flow from the inlet to theoutlet, and a second position to prevent flow from the outlet. Thesystem preferably includes an eyewash nozzle having an inlet forreceiving water from the outlet, said nozzle being pointed generallyupwards. The system preferably includes a basin for collecting waterexpelled from said nozzle and providing the collected water to a drain.The system preferably includes a reservoir storing water received fromthe drain.

X7. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a transportableemergency eyewash system. The system preferably includes a cart withwheels. The system preferably includes an electrical water heatermounted to said cart, said heater receiving water from a source andproviding heated water. The system preferably includes a shutoff valvehaving an inlet for receiving water from said heater, said valve havinga first outlet, a second outlet, and a movable valve member actuatableover a range of positions for directing water from the inlet to thefirst outlet or the second outlet, said member having a first positionto permit flow from the inlet to the first outlet, a second position topermit flow from the inlet to the second outlet, and a third position toprevent flow to both the first outlet and the second outlet. The systempreferably includes an eyewash nozzle having an inlet for receivingwater from the first outlet, said nozzle being pointed generallyupwards.

Yet other embodiments pertain to any of the previous statements X1, X2,X3, X4, X5, X6, or X7 which are combined with one or more of thefollowing other aspects:

Which further comprises a filter receiving the regulated flow of waterfrom said regulator and providing filtered and regulated flow of waterto said nozzle.

Wherein said filter includes porous sintered metal.

Wherein said variable orifice includes a resilient blocking member and afixed member, said member changing in at least one of shape or locationrelative to said fixed member to provide at least one of a smaller flowarea or an increased flow resistance as water pressure at the regulatorinlet increases.

Wherein the resilient member is an oring.

Wherein the variable orifice includes an elastomeric oring.

Wherein said flow regulator is a first regulator and said nozzle is afirst nozzle, and which further comprises a second flow regulator havingan inlet, an outlet, and a second variable orifice inbetween, saidsecond regulator inlet receiving tempered water from said valve, saidsecond variable orifice becoming more restrictive to flow as thepressure of water at the second regulator inlet increases and becomingless restrictive to flow as the pressure of water at the secondregulator inlet decreases, said second regulator outlet providing asecond outlet flow within a predetermined range of flows, said secondoutlet flow being substantially the same as the outlet flow of saidfirst flow regulator; a second eyewash nozzle having an inlet forreceiving the regulated flow of water from said second regulator anddirecting the regulated flow generally upwards.

Which further comprises a shower nozzle having an inlet receivingtempered water, said shower nozzle being located higher than saideyewash nozzle for directing a flow of water generally downward.

Wherein said shower nozzle includes a flow deflector oriented centrallyin the inlet of the shower nozzle, said deflector changing the directionof substantially all the flow entering said shower nozzle.

Wherein said flow regulator regulates a flow of less than about twogallons per minute.

Which further comprises an accumulator receiving a flow of temperedwater and having an outlet providing the water to the inlet of said flowregulator.

Wherein said thermostatically controlled valve includes means forcreating turbulence.

Wherein the first indexing feature has a first shape, and the secondindexing feature has a second shape that is complementary to the firstshape.

Wherein said first quick connect fitting and said second quick connectfitting align said nozzle assembly and said basin in a first direction,and the first indexing feature and the second indexing feature alignsaid nozzle assembly and said basin in a second direction orthogonal tothe first direction.

Wherein the second indexing feature is located proximate to the drain.

Wherein said first quick connect fitting and said second quick connectfitting can be connected to each other without the use of a tool.

Wherein said first quick connect fitting and said second quick connectfitting can be connected in a substantially leak-tight connection.

Wherein said first quick connect fitting and said second quick connectfitting can be connected to each other by pressing the first fitting andsecond fitting toward each other.

Wherein the inlet of the eyewash nozzle assembly has a first area, thetotal area of the eyewash outlets has a second area, and the ratio ofthe second area to the first area is greater than about 8 and less thanabout 11, or wherein the ratio is greater than about 9.

Wherein said nozzle assembly is not attached to said basin.

Wherein said nozzle assembly includes a pair of spaced apart flownozzles each pointed generally upward.

Wherein each of said flow nozzles includes a plurality of flowapertures.

Wherein said lever is generally vertical in the shutoff position, andsaid lever is pushed backward to actuate the flow of water.

Wherein the lever includes a flat panel.

Wherein said nozzle assembly has a centerline, and the lever is locatedalong the centerline.

Wherein the level is attached by a separate bracket pinned.

Wherein the feature is a rounded corner.

Wherein said basin is diamond shaped.

Wherein the lateral feature is a handle.

Wherein said nozzle assembly includes a pair of upwardly directed,laterally-displaced spray nozzles.

Wherein said lever is generally vertical in the shutoff position, andsaid level is pushed backward to actuate the flow of water.

Wherein the lever includes a flat panel.

Wherein the feature is a rounded corner.

Wherein said basin is diamond shaped.

Wherein the lateral feature is a handle.

Wherein said nozzle assembly includes a pair of upwardly directed,laterally-displaced spray nozzles.

Wherein the nozzle assembly inlet includes a central passage having asecond outlet, said second outlet being adapted and configured to bereceived within the inlet of a second eyewash nozzle assembly.

Which further comprise a repeatedly removal cap having a plurality ofapertures, said cap being received by said nozzle outlet.

Which further comprises a pair of nozzle outlets laterally spaced aparta distance within the range of spacing of adult human eyes.

Wherein said filter is located downstream of said regulator.

Wherein the quick connect fitting has one of a male or a female fitting.

Wherein said flow regulator is a press fit into said housing.

Which further comprises drainage valve supported internally by saidhousing, said drainage valve including a movable valve member biased tonormally open a drainage passage when water pressure within saidassembly inlet is below a predetermined value.

Which further comprises a plurality of resilient members mounting saidheater to said cart, each of said resilient members being spaced apartfrom each other resilient member.

Wherein said resilient member is a spring having a spring constantselected to reduce the transmission of vibration above a predeterminedfrequency.

Wherein said resilient member is an elastomeric coupling.

Wherein said resilient member is adapted and configured to deflect froma free state to a compressed state under the weight of said heater.

Wherein the deflection is more than about one fourth of an inch.

Wherein the reservoir has an internal volume of more than about tengallons.

Wherein said nozzle directs water to a contaminated person using saidsystem, and the basin collects contaminant washed off of the person bythe water.

Wherein said nozzle is a first nozzle oriented to wash water from oneeye of a person, and which further comprises a second nozzle oriented towash water from the other eye of the person.

Wherein the second outlet drains generally downward for purging of airfrom said heater.

Wherein said member is externally actuatable by hand.

Wherein in the third position said movable member maintains water insaid heater.

Wherein said heater is mounted to said cart by a plurality of shockmounts.

Wherein said heater heats said water by electrical resistance.

While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail inthe drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly certain embodiments have been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for an emergency eyewash,comprising: a thermostatically controlled valve having a valve body witha hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and an outlet providing temperedwater; an eyewash nozzle assembly having an inlet to receive thetempered water, a pair of nozzle outlets laterally spaced apart fromeach other on opposite sides of a first centerline for providing a flowof water for the eyewash nozzle assembly, and a housing including afirst indexing feature located underneath said housing; and a drainagebasin supported by the valve body and located underneath said eyewashnozzle assembly and having a drain that collects water expelled fromsaid nozzle outlets, said basin having a second indexing feature locatedproximate to the drain and adapted and configured to mate with the firstindexing feature, said drainage basin having a second centerline and athird centerline, the lateral sides of said basin each including acorner centered about the second centerline, said drainage basin beingsubstantially symmetric laterally about the third centerline; whereinthe mating of the first indexing feature and the second indexing featurealign the first and second centerlines to be perpendicular to oneanother.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said eyewash nozzleassembly inlet includes a central passage having a second outlet, saidsecond outlet being adapted and configured to be received within theinlet of a second eyewash nozzle assembly.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said pair of nozzle outlets are laterally spaced apart adistance within the range of spacing of adult human eyes.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 which further comprises a drainage valve supportedinternally by said housing, said housing including a drainage passage,said drainage valve including a movable valve member biased to normallyopen a drainage passage when water pressure within said assembly inletis below a predetermined value.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thecorner is a rounded corner adapted and configure to tactilely identifythe location of said nozzle assembly to a user.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said basin is diamond shaped.
 7. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said basin does not support said eyewash assembly.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the outlet of said valve body and the inletof said eyewash nozzle are adapted and configured to readily connectwith each other by a quick connect fitting.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1which further comprises a shut-off valve having an inlet and an outlet,said shut off valve inlet receiving tempered water from the outlet ofsaid thermostatically controlled valve, said shut off valve outletproviding tempered water to the inlet of said eyewash nozzle, said shutoff valve outlet and said eyewash nozzle inlet being adapted andconfigured to readily connect with each other by a quick connectfitting.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said quick connect fittingis adapted and configured to be connected substantially leak-tightwithout the use of a tool.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saiddrainage basin has a periphery between the corners and each corner ofsaid basin is located a greater lateral distance from the thirdcenterline than the periphery.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 whereinsaid drainage basin is supported by an arm spaced downward and apartfrom the first centerline.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one ofsaid first indexing feature or said second indexing feature includes apair of extending arms defining a gap therebetween, and the other ofsaid first indexing feature or said second indexing feature is adaptedand configured to fit within the gap.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13wherein said drainage basin is supported by an arm having two free ends,and one of the ends is adapted and configured to be coupled by a pin tosaid drainage basin.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the firstindexing feature has a shape, and the second indexing feature has ashape complementary to the shape of the first indexing feature.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein said drainage basin is supported by an armlocated below the inlet of said eyewash nozzle assembly and above thedrain of said drainage basin.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saiddrainage basin is supported by an arm spaced apart from the firstcenterline.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein one of said firstindexing feature or said second indexing feature includes a pair ofextending arms defining a gap therebetween, and the other of said firstindexing feature or said second indexing feature is adapted andconfigured to fit within the gap.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17 whereinthe outlet of said valve body and the inlet of said eyewash nozzle areadapted and configured to readily connect with each other by a quickconnect fitting.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drainagebasin is supported by an arm located below the inlet of said eyewashnozzle assembly and above the drain of said drainage basin.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein said drainage basin has a peripherybetween the corners and each corner of said basin is located a greaterlateral distance from the first centerline than the periphery.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein the outlet of said valve body and theinlet of said eyewash nozzle are adapted and configured to readilyconnect with each other by a quick connect fitting.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said drainage basin is supported by an arm having twofree ends, and one of the ends is adapted and configured to be coupledby a pin to said drainage basin.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 whereinsaid basin has an underside including a pair of spaced apart locatingfeatures, and the one end of said arm is adapted and configured to bepinned to the locating features.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23 whereinthe first indexing feature has a shape, and the second indexing featurehas a shape complementary to the shape of the first indexing feature.26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the outlet of said valve body andthe inlet of said eyewash nozzle are adapted and configured to readilyconnect with each other by a quick connect fitting.